Couple Living in a Tent on a Self-Built Raft - Floating Off the Grid

Jojo and Norah are on the adventure of a lifetime! They live in a tent on a self-built raft and travel around Sweden's lakes via the Dalsland Canal. Their raft measures 2.9-meter x 7-meter and it's built with impregnated wood and 28 x 200 litre barrels. It weighs a total of 1.5 tonnes and is powered by a 6 hp 2-stroke engine.
You can follow Jojo and Norah's adventures here:
/ @mynorthernstory
/ my.northern.story
/ outdoordiary
The couple has created a surprisingly cozy little float home on the raft with a bed, a table and chairs, and even a woodstove! For electricity, they have 2x 150-watt solar panels and 3 batteries.
When they visit small towns along their route they carry groceries and gas cans on a homemade handcart.
Their tent is a Sibley 500 Protech tent by Canvas Camp:
www.canvascamp.com/en/collect...
And you can find out more about the Dalsland Canal here:
www.vastsverige.com/en/dalsla...
If you're curious about Jojo's previous tent life experience, you can check out the video we made with him last year: • Man Living Off-Grid in...
Thanks for watching!
Mat & Danielle
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STAY IN TOUCH!
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Blog: www.exploringalternatives.ca
Facebook: / exploringalternativesblog
Instagram: / exploringalternatives
Email: [e-mail]
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COMMENTS
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We want our channel and our comments section to be an inclusive space where everyone feels welcome to watch and contribute. For this reason, comments that are inappropriate or hateful will be reported and/or deleted.
Please discuss and debate with respect, and report inappropriate or hateful comments directly to KZbin.
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CREDITS
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Music & Song Credits:
All music in this video was composed, performed, and recorded by Mat of Exploring Alternatives.
Editing Credits:
Mat and Danielle of Exploring Alternatives
Filming Credits:
Jojo and Norah from My Northern Story
#tentlife #raftlife #livingonaraft

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thank you for watching! You can follow Jojo and Norah here: kzbin.info/door/1P2AzjSbKnveOkSyu4dEzA instagram.com/outdoordiary/ instagram.com/my.northern.story/

[@hughsnyder891]

I’m wondering if Patreon is available for you . If for some reason you don’t about it look into it . Maybe it’s not available in European countries for some reason. It is a for fans of a channel to make small donations that could sustain your adventures. Many KZbin channels do this in America. Just a thought. Wishing you the best .

[@marybennett4160]

@@hughsnyder891 That was a great suggestion. 😊

[@irenewoolsey926]

Some great planning..yet I find there was a over use of wood for some of your designs ..would be interesting way to spend the summer ..

[@makadutaarzola9453]

Very creative. Definitely a dream to do this.

[@arealhauntedhouse4171]

It's always good to try these things while you're young. Good luck and be safe.

[@phonecards1]

Freedom and youth are precious. I feel joy seeing people enjoy life in a manner that fits them. Safe travels.

[@livesoutdoors1708]

Strange…the criticisms are so non reality based. Oh they’re using a motor or soap etc etc. Folks we’re humans not some ethereal animal. I don’t care if you live in an eco home (as I do ) or out of a backpack, you WILL impact the environment somehow. To expect otherwise is both unrealistic and just judge mental criticism that helps no one. This is a great channel with fantastic ideas put into practice by real folks living real lives. Try to see the positives instead of the negatives. Better yet get out and do it yourself rather than armchair criticize and see firsthand how it goes.

[@go-out-and-live1586]

Well said. I like your POV.

[@slingshotchicken4695]

You are a teacher worth having.

[@Ephesians5-14]

What kind of house do you have? 😊

[@seand7603]

@@Ephesians5-14 ...an eco one

[@icecoldchilipreppers6496]

@@seand7603 she was probly asking if it was built from insulated haybales, rammed earth, hempcrete, reclaimed wood or some other kind she may not have heard of..... Smart guy.

[@tracylmcenaney]

Im too old for this sort of journey, but would have loved this 30 years ago! Kudos to both of you, have fun 😊

[@get6149]

Unless your constantly in the hospital you aren't to old

[@Nospoon53189]

Stems cells can give you a second lease in life.

[@cmaggie5748]

How old is old? You only live once. I'm 62 would love to do this!

[@beverlybalius9303]

@@get6149 You can’t get far from a hospital when old even if healthy…. Besides you are weaker when older you don’t feel like all that,,, it’s a hardship just to get around normally.

[@beverlybalius9303]

@The Duke Yes you are….

[@pearlollie9213]

Good luck to you both. Looks like a peaceful life. Simplicity is everything. Love your tent and raft.

[@yourpersonaldatadealer2239]

I’ve been looking at tiny house, boats, tipis, etc for probably 5 years on and off and this is hands down the coolest yet.

[@aprilderbbs42]

Agreed

[@ospee2004]

I have a Soulpad bell tent. Its about 18 ft round. Its the best tent I ever had. It would br awesome set up on a raft.

[@yourpersonaldatadealer2239]

@@ospee2004 you need to do it

[@ambrr_lily]

They use a 2-stroke gasoline engine. Please don't make that your goal. Do better.

[@callmebigpapa]

Don't forget Treeshouses!

[@sprinkledrainbow7251]

What a simple yet extraordinary life. If that makes sense. Much love and respect ❤

[@kingbeat101]

I wish the best of luck and happiness to them..:)...It really does look like fun!

[@happyinfidel1]

I think winter would be tough but what a great way to spend a spring summer. I suspect they will have company next year.

[@brunaopimentel4439]

It is very exciting to live and discover each day that the picture thru the window change to more beautiful each day.

[@natashab3412]

Couldn't do that here. In the " land of the free "

[@natashab3412]

Except for maybe a short time on 60/70s. SF Houseboat communities

[@debramedina9347]

This is so cool. I like the everlasting summer concept. Thanks for sharing.

[@melinehhacopians1184]

Your compassion for the Earth and for animals is fabulous I wish there were more humans like you!

[@tWoforgamenot1]

very cool kids . good for you . at 76 i wish i could do this. would love too but we get old fast it seems lol . enjoy your time when your young :) hug

[@FreedomToRoamBySusanHare]

Retired, and a full-time nomad for three years, now, I'm also a child of the water. As a young adult, whose dream was to sail the world, one of the first books I read, was "Reaching Port". I so enjoyed watching your video, and I'm looking forward to following your journey.

[@TheDorianTube]

imagine saying stuff like ''child of the water'' thinking yourself deep.

[@acricucci9760]

@@TheDorianTube or just criticizing ignorantly and showing yourself shallow.

[@TheAnnoyingBoss]

Shoot i think id be happy being able to travel anywhere in usa via river or coastline to get to different river systems

[@pichdara2860]

Thanks you so much for sharing this is my first time running into some thing so breathtaking!

[@anthony5227]

Man that is a large raft forsure. That bed is like a full size. That’s wild. Great build !

[@marybennett4160]

God bless this couple in sharing such a simple yet fulfilling life together. ♥️🙌🏽

[@MortalVildhjart]

I know this is Parasocial at its best, but when i watched Jojo´s story on being on that island i felt quite a lot of sorrow for him when he said he did not enjoy the Solitude. This is a warm and welcome surprise that he has found someone to spend the days with. Awesome video again. Thanks!

[@bugzaney9888]

There’s actually an episode from last year that documents him living in his tent alone. I knew he looked familiar.

[@bugzaney9888]

**On this same channel.

[@sza2562]

What is `Solice`?

[@MortalVildhjart]

in this case a Typo due to my Smartphone, but it means something along the lines of Comforting someone in dire times. What i meant to write is Solitude instead. Which is being alone.

[@chitownbangin]

@@MortalVildhjart They broke up LOL. These "save the planet by living together in a sardine can" couples never last.

[@nickjimenez4262]

I think its fantastic what your doing. I hope you all are safe and have many happy days ahead.

[@iamhongsolo]

what a cool, simple, but also intense lifestyle.

[@christineb8148]

This evokes so many of the stories I read and dreamed of as a child. It looks like a wonderful vacation "home."

[@faithm9284]

Oh yes! Christopher Robin, and Peter Pan syndrome! lol

[@georgepetrin1334]

Enjoy it as long as you can.

[@sammi-loveistheanswer]

What an amazing experience! This you will truly remember for ever in your lives. Good on you for breaking free and following your dreams. 🌸

[@NicO-cm2xo]

Thanks for sharing your true freedom

[@cathylynnpietranton]

My husband and I think this is totally awesome. Thanks Matt for sharing their journey.

[@explorewestcoast]

I have tossed around the idea of a floating barge for my trailer conversion. This is awesome.

[@elizabethharttley4073]

Intentional living is a wonderful way of life.

[@mikefratz2938]

I've been living in a tent in the mountains for almost 2yrs and the nearest road is a 30min walk. I just recently started looking at boats and looking at the east coast of the usa

[@MsHetha]

This is a very happy change from Jojo's story on the island. I'm glad he's well and happy that his dream of his raft tent became has brought him joy!

[@chelseagirl278]

unfortunately it looks like they are apart right now. they got on each others nerves

[@SoCalFreelance]

This would make a great Swedish children's book. Adventures on the tent raft.

[@JamesRiner-rv1mv]

I wish yall so much happiness and your journey in life.

[@tracysellars8539]

I love these people there is something so genuine about them. Off to watch their other videos.

[@glasseverywhere]

in 2019, I was in Philippines for a couple of months with a small backpack 11 pounds thats all i owned, I can relate not having much and living simple , no computer, no internet, thats how to live life awesome boat and beautiful sceneries. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us ...

[@moeshickenyay]

Did you have a cell phone?

[@PAUL-ky4dq]

I live in the Philippines, I am planning to visit our 6 thousand island when I got a job and be independent.

[@sylmarie6494]

I love how you always promote the channels of the people you interview.

[@JCC503]

Off grid life is tough enough. But on a FLOATING TENT? These two are hardcore.

[@lynm1789]

This is one of the best videos I've seen yet about alternative living.

[@xi399x]

Wow. What an amazing couple. This is definitely eye-opening that truly anything is possible. That you are even gathering litter along the way is super heartwarming.

[@kenlane9402]

We are off grid in the dessert of Arizona USA in a motorhome. I've thought about doing what you're doing though. 🤔 I'm glad to be following your journey.

[@ccpederson1769]

Hi, I also live in Arizona, in the mountains, showlow .

[@nightowl2481]

CC Pederson We’re in Linden, it’s getting busier up here lately I notice a lot of people moving here

[@kenlane9402]

@@nightowl2481 yeah for sure. We are off the 40 near Ash Fork. Lots of newbies looking here. Land is getting harder to come by every day that goes by. People fleeing California, and the cities. Good luck to you.

[@OlafGodredsson]

I hear the dessert can be quite dry, unless it's made of chocolate 🍫

[@soundwave6218]

😭 HALLELUJAH it's cool try it

[@katharinelandry1232]

Great job beautiful home have a blessed day and night and weekend

[@davidblaske6911]

I like how the channel is directly dedicated to my well being, and while on the other side, i simply have nothing to add or say about it. Keep fighting the good fight.

[@nolongerqualified4013]

Very interesting couple.... great video. Thanks for sharing them with us

[@beazleteats4031]

Norah's Instagram update from 3 days ago: "For over a year Jojo and I have spent almost every day in the same room. First in the tent, then in a little house (we only used one room with kitchen, fireplace and bed to lower our use of energy and the costs for heating) and back in the tent. Even though we agree that it worked quite well we now need individual space and some time apart. That's why I am back in Switzerland. I left Sweden earlier than planned but it was important to go before we are getting on each other's nerves. I had the most wonderful time on the raft with the usual ups and downs. Also known as: Life."

[@garya3056]

Not surprising to read that. 🤔

[@treehuggingmusician595]

Thanks for that update. I don't have an Instagram account so didn't know. Hopefully she will be back after a good time apart. She is a creative person.

[@tarjeik7162]

Reality bites

[@celticwarrior777]

oooooo

[@celticwarrior777]

i can seewhy living on a raft restricted area cancause friction

[@politiksverige-politicsofs4809]

Fantastiskt, älskar detta koncept! viken frihet och vackra Sveriges sjöar, natur som jag håller så nära

[@user-tb1lr1lb3r]

Wonderful life! ❤

[@johnberry8117]

You guys are living the dream, n the critics are just jealous! Great job , thanks for sharing!

[@tramlaw2069er]

These guys have just moved into the top 5 of people who are my hero's

[@Chamindo7]

The beautiful part of Sweden one hardly ever sees. Nice.

[@terryclemence1599]

What a extraordinary life. Much love and respect

[@mapleleafer74]

YOU CAN USE THE COLD LAKE TEMPERATURE TO CHILL FOOD/DRINKS SURELY.

[@Teknakill]

Even do laundry in a net.

[@annoyedbyyourface]

I'm going to show this video to my friend. This is something I could totally see her doing especially since her father and brother are carpenters.

[@adamheskett6245]

I like how you build everything simple using mostly 1 inch by 4 inch lumber.

[@candyparton9230]

I love that you two are enjoying and living your life on your own terms. Does not matter what the next person thinks of your lifestyle as long as you are happy. I wish you nothing but the very best life can offer you. God bless and keep you safe.

[@treehuggingmusician595]

I follow them on Jojo's channel. Their videos are very creative and entertaining. They don't have many followers or and sponsors but they are delightful. I hope this video gets them more subscribers.

[@catman8670]

Ok for a week camping trip, but full time?

[@americanprivilege5391]

That’s bad ass. Going to Sweden for a summer is my dream. It would be so cool to see the country for a month, do this for a month then see some more of the country

[@Marlene5018]

I would love to live like that 🥰

[@quentinmanson3287]

What a way to live part of your life. Enjoy your journey friends

[@marieastwood5016]

I love and salute to both of you on how you live simple and able to travel without a huge expense. Free exploring the beauty of nature.

[@gypsygg4102]

What a Dreamy Life...THANK YOU for Sharing!!! Love from Calgary 🇨🇦

[@sueprostko3222]

Love their spirit and their love of adventure.

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hello 👋 dea , how are you doing?

[@mollavisuals]

I didn't know he had a partner! It's been so cool seeing the tent go from land to water and now this :)

[@vaguevagabond]

They are separated now. It's on her insta

[@mollavisuals]

@@vaguevagabond aw damn :(

[@clarkclarke]

@@vaguevagabond 😖

[@saravanryn7920]

#

[@SheilaR.08]

@pete best She's a grown woman. Partner is perfect.

[@theadventuresofbrockinthai4325]

Lived on a 43 foot sailboat for a few years and loved it when I was at sea. It gets dark and you just shut everything down and of course take your sails down. It's very peaceful when you are 60 or so miles out to sea and you just drift. The darkness is the most beautiful part about it, it's almost like you are the only person on the earth. I really miss that but I am getting to old for that kind of life any more.

[@dmunnone5757]

Mr. Ary, may I ask your age? Light pollution is horrible. Funny how we are in aw about darkness today but when light was less available in days of past, humans were also in aw of light.

[@theadventuresofbrockinthai4325]

@@dmunnone5757, I turned 74 in June. I am also having health problems that limit my mobility. I have had 4 back surgeries and my right shoulder has been put back together. I am also a diabetic so I can't get too far away from a refrigerator lol and I am having balance problems. I had an MRI on Monday on my brain and neck and will get my results tomorrow, Wednesday. Light pollution for me right now because I live in Bangkok, Thailand. I don't like living in a city this size and will be moving next year to the Northeastern area of Thailand. We will be about 1 kilometer from a small village of about 200 people so not too much light pollution. This is good because when my Thai friend and I build the house I will be putting an observatory on top of the second floor with a 50 inch telescope in it. My friend and his wife will be a teachers at the local school. Schools in the area do not have a lot of money so I will be able to offer the telescope to teach about the universe we live in. It will be my way to give back to the country I have been living in for the past 14 years.

[@bestforlastchar]

@@theadventuresofbrockinthai4325 I am so glad you experienced that peace of drifting and feeling as tho you are the only person on earth. What a blessing. Happiness is truly in the mind isn't it. To be able to conceive of life's most beautiful moments.

[@chelseagirl278]

@@theadventuresofbrockinthai4325 i am so sorry to hear about your health problems. i said a prayer for you

[@shaneharris904]

hi from New Zealand, beautiful life style, thank you for sharing your happiness with us.wishing you guys all the best

[@luisasterioquerubin6829]

Congrats, it's very refreshing to see alternative life callings and realized.

[@chrisberry7712]

I love the simplicity. It’s really quite surprising how few possessions we need to lead a rewarding life. Thank you for sharing.

[@johncampbell829]

I'm willing to help you make your dream come true! Just send me all your money and belongings and you too could embark on this trip of a lifetime! I'll even donate some empty barrles and a tent!

[@chitownbangin]

@@johncampbell829 lmfao but let's face it, most of the people who want to live like this already don't have sh1t to their name. they think being a gypsy and turning their turds into granola and not killing fish with Irish Spring soap is going to save the planet.

[@davidbones8947]

Greetings from Oregon USA you two very freaking amazing love your simple life in this crazy world

[@ikarus342000]

This is so refreshing. We were living for 11 years on our self-built catamaran. A great memory. Thank's for sharing your experience.

[@maryngshwuling9916]

So blessed to have eco therapy every day and night 🌈

[@Theonewhoroamstherealms]

You guys are awesome 🌲

[@tWoforgamenot1]

its beautiful there ! :)

[@siliguriguide1992]

Life on water is so nice and wonderful experiences. Crystal water makes everyone happy.

[@chirogirl67550]

That is so frigging cool….my husband’s eyes lit up when I showed him this video. Talk about thinking out of the box…it’s Brilliant! Good job guys! Love it! Peace and Blessings

[@PhiltonPhillips]

You guys consistently put out top quality content, thank you!

[@ExploringAlternatives]

Thanks so much Phil!

[@nancymccoy9684]

How do we contact you directly regarding our off grid home built from reclaimed materials?

[@binaryglitch64]

Inspirational, love there raw honesty, it goes to show that they're livin' right for them, it's beautiful to see people find their harmony like this.

[@aaronvallejo8220]

Fresh fish nighty...such a beautiful lifestyle. Nice couple. Yes more solar PV along with an electric engine. One step at a time. You'll probably need a roof on your fine raft...I'll put steel with 6 to 10 solar panels each 100 watt. Really nice! Thank you

[@sarahstrong7174]

Well done for creatively resolving the practical difficulties of your lifestyle & bravely daring to be different & pursue your dream.

[@kimikae4170]

Love it!!!! I envy the both of you! What a totally beautiful peaceful place to be traveling in your cool tent raft! So cool! So peaceful! Absolutely love it! Cheers!

[@gailclay4905]

What an adventure! Life should be that way…♥️

[@edwinalogarta7231]

Love it. I'm 64 but I still want to experience this kind of life ❤

[@laurabethhorton455]

I'm amazed and felt the calm they feel while living my dream life. All anybody needs is nature and what God gave us to enjoy.

[@gzubeck3]

Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer give their thumbs up!

[@OpenBook101]

Wow! This is wonderful 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@SvengelskaBlondie]

Love this video, this is really close to something I was thinking of. Mentioned this to my brother who said it wouldn't work, jokes on him cause it seems to work just fine.

[@shirleylake7738]

How wonderful to live free on the water. Love your raft. My father built a dock years ago with w[d and barrels. It was so n peaceful a night to watch the sun set.

[@littlecookingtips]

That is why we love your channel, because of unique stories like this! Thanx so much guys!

[@MyNorthernStory]

Great video, thanks! Funny that we said the engine is reliable. It broke last week... 🙂 And we have 26 barrels, not 28. But so much happened since we filmed that, feels like a long time ago.

[@joshualaird5303]

DIfferent strokes for different folks... I could never live like that but kudos to you for living free and the way you want :)

[@fabygoo]

Compassion for Earth and animals, love this 👏💚

[@lawrencemartin1113]

How wonderful. An incredible adventure. I love the Tent Raft. Enjoy this time; it will create so many wonderful memories as life goes by.

[@AtikAilesi]

This is our dream 🥰♥️

[@Marco-717]

Low standards

[@FullyYoked]

Marco -717 it takes higher intelligence, you wouldn't understand

[@unicornmadness6286]

@@Marco-717 you're super SAD to think the way you do.

[@RosslynR]

@@unicornmadness6286 Some people want rafts and others want yachts. In Europe, they have built catamarans working fully on solar power.

[@johnrobinson1762]

God Friday when I went home I really wanted an egg salad sandwich. And I was just obsessing about it.

[@rgm6595]

I admire your way of living. Simple life, stress free. Keep safe and God bless!

[@mervinking5806]

Enjoy what God has given you guys🙏🏻👍🏼

[@williamsimmons8927]

So good to see you, Jojo and Norah, I remember the first Utube land tent and the building of your first floating platform, the moving of the keyboard onto the raft, your music, the serenity you promoted by just being you, I'm back on board with your adventures along with the rest of the thousands that live vicariously through your sharp minds and entertaining wit, your ability to adapt to most any turn of events, looking forward to new music, and you"re coupled explorations. Anchors Away

[@trinitruthseeker7344]

i love it. it looks so peaceful

[@MamaKat27]

So glad you found someone (Norah) to share your life with. I just watched your video where you were solo living in the tent on land and mentioned how lonely it can be.

[@Jimbojenkins]

Wow, the raft built itself! Amazing! Probably a DIY.

[@MyCornerinTaiwan_JLU]

It's incredible to see what it is like to live on a raft. Very inspiring!

[@sashastarshanti3599]

What a beautiful experience they are having together. Just the water, the raft, the wind, the engine, and each other. What an amazing life of simple beauty. I am vegan also, and I love seeing their simple diet as well, it inspires me to live more off the land and to eat more healthily and simply. Interesting people, living interesting lives. I wish them the success that fulfills their souls.

[@anuradhfernando4447]

Dear friends, I m glad to see you two have a wonderful home on water with mother nature.that is my dream too....!I heard you trying to get the electric outboard motor in the future.but my suggestion is you need backup generator with your solar pack.mother nature will be changed her mind time to time. so you need backup gen...as a alternative power source 1-2Kw range that better for you.thanks and regards...!

[@janettawallace3722]

This is an interesting life style on a raft. My first time seeing this. Seems like it is fun.

[@VendErre]

This is what having a romantic relationship is all about. Two people coming together and making something beautiful.

[@neva.2764]

They are taking a break.

[@maxsjoberg788]

they broke up lol ur wrong

[@theweatherisaokay4964]

Been following My Northern story since he just started to now floating raft, at that time he's living alone. Love when his father also help him here and there while building the raft. 🥰

[@ritaruff9696]

Very proud of you for following dreams. I don’t think you will ever regret the memories.